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christ_n neither_o can_v they_o nor_o will_v they_o come_v because_o christ_n die_v not_o for_o they_o &_o yet_o by_o law_n god_n &_o justice_n overtake_v they_o i_o say_v first_o there_o be_v with_o you_o more_o worthy_a &_o learned_a than_o i_o be_o mrs_n dickson_n blair_n &_o hamilton_n who_o can_v more_o full_o satisfy_v you_o but_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o brief_a what_o i_o think_v of_o it_o in_o these_o assertion_n 1._o all_o god_n justice_n towards_o man_n &_o angel_n flow_v from_o a_o act_n of_o the_o absolute_a sovereign_a freewill_n of_o god_n who_o be_v our_o former_a &_o potter_n &_o we_o be_v but_o clay_n for_o if_o he_o have_v forbid_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n &_o command_v adam_n to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a &_o evil_n that_o command_v no_o doubt_n have_v be_v as_o just_a as_o this_o eat_v of_o all_o the_o tree_n but_o not_o at_o all_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a &_o 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that_o without_o be_v weary_a of_o their_o sin_n they_o rely_v on_o christ_n mankind_n saviour_n for_o to_o rely_v on_o christ_n &_o not_o to_o weary_v of_o sin_n be_v presumption_n not_o faith_n faith_n be_v ever_o neighbour_n to_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n &_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o faith_n can_v be_v where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o casten_z down_o &_o contrite_a heart_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o sin_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a god_n command_v no_o man_n to_o presume_v 5._o assertion_n then_o reprobat_n be_v not_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o in_o particular_a for_o in_o truth_n neither_o reprobat_n nor_o other_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v a_o lie_n only_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v christ_n die_v for_o they_o if_o they_o be_v first_o weary_a burden_a sinsick_a &_o condemn_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n &_o strike_v dead_a &_o kill_v with_o the_o law_n sentence_n &_o have_v indeed_o embrace_v he_o as_o offer_v which_o be_v a_o second_o &_o subsequent_a act_n of_o faith_n follow_v after_o a_o come_n to_o he_o &_o close_v with_o he_o 6._o assertion_n reprobatsare_n not_o formal_o guilty_a of_o comtempt_n of_o god_n &_o misbelief_n because_o they_o apply_v not_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o themselves_o in_o particular_a for_o so_o they_o shall_v be_v guilty_a because_o they_o believe_v not_o a_o lie_n which_o god_n never_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v 7._o assertion_n justice_n have_v a_o right_a to_o punish_v reprobat_n because_o out_o of_o pride_n of_o heart_n confide_v in_o their_o own_o righteousness_n they_o rely_v not_o upon_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n of_o all_o they_o that_o come_v to_o he_o this_o god_n may_v just_o oblige_v they_o unto_o because_o in_o adam_n they_o have_v perfect_a ability_n to_o do_v and_o man_n be_v guilty_a because_o they_o love_v their_o own_o inability_n &_o rest_n upon_o themselves_o &_o refuse_v to_o deny_v their_o own_o righteousness_n &_o to_o take_v they_o to_o christ_n in_o who_o there_o be_v righteousness_n for_o weary_a sinner_n 8._o assertion_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o rely_v lean_a &_o rest_n upon_o christ_n in_o humility_n &_o weariness_n of_o spirit_n &_o deny_v our_o own_o righteousness_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a righteousness_n of_o weary_a sinner_n &_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o believe_v christ_n die_v for_o i_o john_n thomas_n anna_n upon_o a_o intention_n &_o decree_n to_o save_v we_o by_o name_n for_o 1._o the_o first_o go_v first_o the_o latter_a be_v always_o after_o in_o due_a order_n 2._o the_o first_o be_v faith_n the_o second_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o first_o oblige_v reprobat_n &_o all_o man_n in_o the_o visible_a kirk_n the_o latter_a oblige_v only_o the_o weary_a &_o leaden_a &_o so_o only_o the_o elect_a &_o effectual_o call_v of_o god_n 9_o assertion_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a order_n i_o know_v not_o if_o christ_n die_v for_o i_o john_n thomas_n anna_n by_o name_n &_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o rely_v on_o he_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n to_o believe_v god_n intention_n &_o decree_n of_o election_n at_o the_o first_o ere_o you_o be_v weary_v look_v first_o to_o your_o own_o intention_n &_o soul_n if_o you_o find_v sin_n a_o burden_n and_o can_v and_o do_v rest_n under_o that_o burden_n upon_o christ_n if_o this_o be_v once_o now_o come_v &_o believe_v in_o particular_a or_o rather_o apply_v by_o sense_n for_o in_o my_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o belief_n not_o belief_n &_o feel_v the_o goodwill_n intention_n and_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o god_n anent_o your_o salvation_n hence_o because_o there_o be_v malice_n in_o reprobat_n and_o contempt_n of_o christ_n guilty_a they_o be_v and_o justice_n have_v law_n against_o they_o and_o which_o be_v the_o mystery_n they_o can_v come_v up_o to_o christ_n because_o he_o die_v not_o for_o they_o but_o their_o sin_n be_v that_o they_o love_v this_o their_o 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and_o angel_n for_o ever_o &_o ever_o when_o all_o be_v do_v what_o can_v i_o add_v to_o he_o or_o what_o can_v such_o a_o clay-shadow_n as_o i_o do_v i_o know_v he_o need_v not_o i_o i_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v grieve_v and_o to_o melt_v away_o in_o tear_n if_o i_o have_v grace_n to_o do_v it_o lord_n grant_v it_o to_o i_o to_o see_v my_o welbeloved_n fair_a face_n spit_v upon_o by_o dog_n to_o see_v lown_n pull_v the_o crown_n off_o my_o royal_a king_n head_n to_o see_v my_o harlot-mother_n &_o my_o sweet_a father_n agree_v so_o ill_o that_o they_o be_v go_v to_o skail_v and_o give_v up_o house_n my_o lord_n palace_n be_v now_o a_o nest_n of_o unclean_a bird_n oh_o if_o harlot_n harlot_n scotland_n will_v rue_v upon_o she_o provoke_v lord_n &_o pity_v her_o good_a husband_n who_o be_v break_v with_o her_o whorish_a heart_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v hide_v from_o her_o eye_n i_o have_v hear_v of_o late_a of_o your_o new_a trial_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o galloway_n fear_v not_o 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part_v of_o payment_n of_o god_n principal_a sum_n you_o have_v to_o rejoice_v for_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o lose_v his_o earnest_n neither_o will_v he_o go_v back_o or_o repent_v he_o of_o the_o bargain_n if_o you_o find_v at_o some_o time_n a_o longing_n to_o see_v god_n joy_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o that_o sight_n howbeit_o that_o feast_n be_v but_o like_o the_o passover_n that_o come_v about_o only_o once_o a_o year_n peace_n of_o conscience_n liberty_n of_o prayer_n the_o door_n of_o god_n treasure_n casten_z up_o to_o the_o soul_n &_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o himself_o look_v out_o &_o say_v with_o a_o smile_a countenance_n welcome_o in_o to_o i_o afflict_a soul_n this_o be_v the_o earnest_n that_o he_o give_v sometime_o &_o which_o make_v glad_a the_o heart_n &_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o bargain_n will_v hold_v but_o to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v get_v this_o earnest_n it_o be_v good_a to_o come_v oft_o in_o term_n of_o speech_n with_o god_n both_o in_o prayer_n &_o 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with_o i_o where_o i_o be_o to_o behold_v my_o glory_n that_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o joh._n 17._o 24._o amen_n dear_a jesus_n let_v it_o be_v according_a to_o that_o word_n i_o wonder_v that_o ever_o your_o heart_n shall_v be_v casten_z down_z if_o you_o believe_v this_o truth_n &_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v forty_o year_n trouble_v for_o he_o since_o they_o have_v such_o glorious_a promise_n but_o we_o fool_n believe_v these_o promise_n as_o the_o man_n that_o read_v plato_n write_n concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o long_o as_o the_o book_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n he_o believe_v all_o be_v true_a &_o that_o the_o soul_n can_v not_o die_v but_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o lay_v by_o the_o book_n present_o he_o begin_v to_o imagine_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v but_o a_o smoke_n or_o airy_a vapour_n that_o perish_v with_o the_o expire_n of_o the_o breath_n so_o we_o at_o start_n do_v assent_v to_o the_o sweet_a &_o precious_a 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it_o be_v good_a to_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o god_n in_o your_o youth_n lam._n 3_o 27._o turn_v in_o to_o your_o strong_a hold_n as_o a_o prisoner_n of_o hope_n zech._n 9_o 12._o for_o the_o vision_n be_v for_o a_o appoint_a time_n but_o at_o the_o end_n it_o shall_v speak_v &_o not_o lie_v though_o it_o tarry_v wait_v for_o it_o because_o it_o will_v sure_o come_v it_o will_v not_o tarry_v hab_o 2_o 3._o hear_v himself_o say_v isa_n 26_o 20._o come_v my_o people_n rejoice_v he_o call_v on_o you_o enter_v thou_o into_o thy_o chamber_n &_o shut_v thy_o door_n about_o thou_o hide_v thyself_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o little_a moment_n till_o the_o indignation_n be_v past_a believe_v then_o believe_v &_o be_v save_v think_v not_o hard_a â—f_n â—e_v get_v not_o your_o will_n nor_o your_o delight_n in_o this_o life_n god_n will_v have_v you_o to_o rejoice_v in_o nothing_o but_o himself_o god_n forbid_v that_o you_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n gal_n 4._o 16._o our_o church_n madam_n be_v decay_v she_o be_v like_o ephraim_n cake_n &_o gray_a hair_n be_v here_o &_o there_o upon_o she_o &_o she_o know_v it_o not_o hos._n 7_o 9_o she_o be_v old_a &_o gray_a haired_a near_o the_o grave_n &_o no_o man_n take_v it_o to_o heart_n her_o wine_n be_v sour_a &_o be_v corrupt_v now_o if_o phinehas_n wife_n do_v live_v she_o may_v travel_v in_o birth_n &_o die_v to_o see_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n take_v &_o the_o glory_n depart_v from_o our_o israel_n the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n be_v away_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o for_o the_o day_n go_v away_o for_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n be_v stretch_v out_o jer_z 6_o 4._o madam_n zion_n be_v the_o ship_n wherein_o you_o be_v carry_v to_o canaan_n if_o she_o suffer_v shâ—pwrack_n you_o will_v be_v casten_z overboard_o upon_o death_n &_o life_n to_o swim_v to_o land_n upon_o break_a board_n it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o by_o prayer_n to_o put_v upon_o our_o master-pilot_n jesus_n &_o to_o cry_v master_n save_o we_o we_o perish_v grace_n grace_n â—e_n with_o you_o we_o will_v think_v it_o a_o blessing_n to_o our_o kirk_n to_o see_v you_o here_o but_o our_o sin_n withhold_v good_a thing_n from_o we_o the_o great_a messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n preserve_v you_o in_o body_n &_o spirit_n anwoth_n feb._n 1._o 1630._o you_o in_o the_o lord_n s._n r._n to_o my_o lady_n kenmure_n 8_o madam_n grace_n mercy_n &_o peace_n be_v multiply_v upon_o you_o i_o receive_v your_o la_n letter_n in_o the_o which_o i_o perceive_v your_o case_n in_o this_o world_n smell_v of_o a_o fellowship_n &_o communion_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o his_o suffering_n you_o can_v you_o must_v not_o have_v a_o more_o pleasant_a or_o more_o easy_a condition_n here_o than_o he_o have_v who_o through_o affliction_n be_v make_v perfect_a heb._n 2_o 10_o we_o may_v indeed_o think_v can_v god_n bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n with_o ease_n &_o prosperity_n who_o doubt_v but_o he_o can_v but_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n think_v &_o decree_v the_o contrary_a and_o we_o can_v see_v a_o reason_n of_o it_o yet_o he_o have_v a_o most_o just_a reason_n we_o never_o with_o our_o eye_n see_v our_o own_o soul_n yet_o we_o have_v a_o soul_n we_o see_v many_o river_n but_o we_o know_v not_o their_o first_o spring_n &_o original_a fountain_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o beginning_n madam_n when_o you_o be_v come_v to_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o water_n &_o have_v set_v down_o your_o foot_n on_o the_o shore_n of_o glorious_a eternity_n &_o look_v
take_v from_o you_o against_o your_o will_n it_o be_v good_a to_o play_v the_o â—surer_n with_o he_o &_o take_v in_o in_o stead_n of_o ten_o of_o the_o hundred_o a_o hundred_o often_o a_o hundred_o of_o one_o madam_n fear_v to_o be_v tedious_a to_o you_o i_o break_v off_o here_o commend_v you_o as_o i_o trust_v to_o do_v while_o i_o live_v your_o person_n way_n burden_n &_o all_o that_o concern_v you_o to_o that_o almighty_a who_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v you_o &_o your_o burden_n i_o still_o remember_v you_o to_o he_o who_o will_v cause_v you_o one_o day_n to_o laugh_v i_o expect_v that_o what_o ever_o you_o can_v do_v by_o word_n or_o deed_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v friendless_a zion_n you_o will_v do_v it_o she_o be_v your_o mother_n forget_v she_o not_o for_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o melt_v &_o try_v this_o land_n &_o it_o be_v high_a time_n we_o be_v all_o upon_o our_o foot_n &_o fall_v about_o to_o try_v what_o claim_n we_o have_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v like_o the_o the_o bridegroom_n will_v be_v take_v from_o we_o &_o then_o we_o shall_v mourn_v dear_a jesus_n remove_v not_o else_o take_v we_o with_o thou_o grace_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o anwoth_n 14._o jan._n 1632._o your_o la_n at_o all_o dutiful_a obedience_n s._n r._n to_o my_o lady_n kenmure_n 12_o madam_n your_o la_n will_v not_o i_o know_v weary_a nor_o offend_v though_o i_o trouble_v you_o with_o many_o letter_n the_o memory_n of_o what_o obligation_n i_o be_o under_o to_o your_o la_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o i_o be_o possible_o impertinent_a in_o what_o i_o write_v because_o of_o my_o ignorance_n of_o your_o present_a estate_n but_o for_o all_o that_o be_v say_v i_o have_v learn_v of_o m_o w._n d._n that_o you_o have_v not_o change_v upon_o nor_o weary_v of_o your_o sweet_a master_n christ_n &_o his_o service_n neither_o be_v it_o your_o part_n to_o change_v upon_o he_o who_o rest_v in_o his_o love_n you_o be_v among_o honourable_a company_n &_o such_o as_o affect_v 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thus_o i_o rest_v commend_v you_o to_o god_n dear_a mercy_n anwoth_n you_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n s._n r._n to_o my_o lady_n kenmure_n 16._o madam_n i_o be_o afraid_a now_o as_o many_o other_o be_v that_o at_o the_o sit_v down_o of_o our_o parliament_n our_o lord_n jesus_n his_o spouse_n shall_v be_v rough_o handle_v and_o it_o must_v be_v so_o since_o false_a &_o deeline_a scotland_n who_o our_o lord_n take_v off_o the_o dunghill_n &_o out_o of_o hell_n &_o make_v a_o fair_a bride_n to_o himself_o have_v break_v her_o faith_n to_o her_o sweet_a husband_n &_o have_v put_v on_o the_o forehead_n of_o a_o whore_n &_o therefore_o he_o say_v he_o will_v remove_v will_v god_n we_o can_v stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o he_o who_o be_v high_o provoke_v with_o the_o handle_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o be_v ready_a to_o depart_v alas_o we_o do_v not_o importune_v he_o by_o prayer_n &_o supplication_n to_o abide_v among_o usâ—_n if_o we_o can_v but_o weâ—p_v upon_o â—â—m_fw-la &_o in_o the_o holy_a pertinacy_n of_o faith_n wrestle_v witâ—…_n &_o say_v we_o will_v not_o let_v thou_o go_v it_o may_v be_v that_o then_o he_o who_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v will_v yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o our_o high_a provocation_n condescend_v to_o stay_v &_o feed_v among_o the_o lily_n till_o that_o fair_a &_o desirable_a day_n break_v and_o the_o shadow_n flâ—e_v away_o ah_o what_o cause_n of_o mourning_n be_v there_o when_o our_o gold_n be_v become_v dim_a &_o the_o visage_n of_o our_o nazarite_n sometime_o white_a than_o snow_n be_v now_o become_v black_a than_o a_o coal_n &_o levi's_fw-la house_n once_o comparable_a to_o fine_a gold_n be_v now_o change_v &_o become_v like_o vessel_n in_o who_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n madam_n think_v upon_o this_o that_o when_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v his_o handkerchief_n to_o wipe_v the_o face_n of_o the_o mourner_n in_o zion_n shall_v come_v to_o wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o their_o eye_n he_o may_v wipe_v you_o also_o in_o the_o pass_n among_o other_o i_o be_o confident_a madam_n that_o our_o lord_n will_v yet_o build_v a_o new_a house_n to_o himself_o of_o our_o reject_a and_o scatter_a stone_n for_o our_o bridegroom_n can_v want_v a_o wife_n can_v he_o live_v a_o widow_n nay_o he_o will_v embrace_v both_o we_o the_o little_a young_a sister_n &_o the_o elder_a sister_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n &_o there_o will_v yet_o be_v a_o day_n of_o it_o &_o therefore_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o rejoice_v yea_o to_o sing_v &_o shout_n for_o joy_n the_o church_n have_v be_v â—nce_o
the_o world_n begin_v ever_o hang_v by_o a_o small_a thread_n &_o all_o the_o hand_n of_o hell_n &_o of_o the_o wicked_a have_v be_v draw_v at_o the_o thread_n but_o god_n be_v thank_v they_o only_o break_v their_o arm_n by_o pull_v but_o the_o thread_n be_v not_o break_v for_o the_o sweet_a finger_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n have_v spin_v and_o twist_v it_o lord_n hold_v the_o thread_n whole_a madam_n stir_v up_o your_o husband_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o covenant_n &_o to_o do_v good_a what_o have_v he_o to_o do_v with_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o his_o inheritance_n desire_v he_o to_o make_v he_o home_o over_o &_o put_v to_o his_o hand_n to_o lay_v one_o stone_n or_o two_o upon_o the_o wall_n of_o god_n house_n before_o he_o go_v hence_o i_o have_v hear_v also_o madam_n that_o your_o child_n be_v remove_v but_o to_o have_v or_o want_n be_v best_a as_o he_o please_v whether_o she_o be_v with_o you_o or_o in_o god_n keep_v think_v it_o all_o one_o nay_o think_v it_o the_o 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&_o to_o set_v it_o right_o ere_o the_o string_n be_v draw_v but_o when_o once_o it_o be_v shoot_v &_o in_o the_o air_n &_o the_o flight_n begin_v than_o you_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o command_v it_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n if_o your_o love_n can_v now_o level_v only_o at_o christ_n that_o his_o fair_a face_n be_v the_o black_a of_o the_o mark_v you_o shoot_v at_o for_o when_o your_o love_n be_v loose_v and_o out_o of_o your_o grip_n &_o in_o its_o motion_n to_o fetch_v home_o anâ—_n idol_n &_o have_v take_v a_o whorish_a gading-journey_n to_o seek_v a_o unknown_a &_o strange_a lover_n you_o shall_v not_o then_o have_v power_n to_o call_v home_o the_o arrow_n or_o to_o be_v master_n of_o your_o love_n &_o you_o shall_v hardly_o give_v christ_n what_o you_o scarce_o have_v yourself_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o if_o youth_n itself_o can_v fetch_v heaven_n &_o christ._n believe_v it_o my_o lo_o it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a what_o a_o nest_n of_o dangerous_a 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salt_n that_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o else_o if_o you_o the_o noble_n put_v away_o the_o pawn_n also_o &_o refuse_v to_o plead_v the_o controversy_n of_o zion_n with_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n you_o have_v do_v with_o it_o oh_o where_o be_v the_o courage_n &_o zeal_n now_o of_o the_o ancient_a noble_n of_o this_o land_n who_o with_o their_o sword_n &_o hazard_n of_o life_n honour_n &_o house_n bring_v christ_n to_o our_o hand_n and_o now_o the_o noble_n can_v be_v but_o guilty_a of_o shoulder_v out_o christ_n &_o murder_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o posterity_n if_o they_o shall_v hide_v themselves_o &_o lurk_v in_o the_o lee-side_n of_o the_o hill_n till_o the_o wind_n blow_v down_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n it_o go_v now_o under_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n for_o man_n to_o cast_v their_o cloak_n over_o christ_n &_o their_o profession_n as_o if_o christ_n be_v steal_v good_n &_o dare_v not_o be_v avouch_v though_o this_o be_v repute_v a_o piâ—ce_n of_o policy_n yet_o god_n estemee_v such_o man_n to_o be_v but_o state-fool_n &_o court-gook_n what_o ever_o they_o or_o other_o head_n of_o wit_n like_v to_o they_o think_v of_o themselves_o since_o their_o damnable_a silence_n be_v the_o ruin_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n oh_o but_o it_o be_v true_a honour_n &_o glory_n to_o be_v the_o fast_a friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n &_o to_o own_o christ_n bleed_a head_n &_o his_o forsake_a cause_n &_o to_o contend_v legal_o &_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sweet_a lord_n jesus_n &_o his_o kingly_a crown_n but_o i_o will_v believe_v your_o lo_n will_v take_v christ_n honour_n to_o heart_n &_o be_v a_o man_n in_o the_o street_n as_o the_o
prophet_n speak_v for_o the_o lord_n &_o his_o truth_n to_o his_o rich_a grace_n &_o sweet_a presence_n &_o the_o everlasting_a consolation_n of_o the_o promise_a comforter_n i_o recomend_v your_o lo_n &_o be_o aberd._n sept._n 7._o 1637._o your_o lo_o in_o his_o sweet_a lord_n jesus_n s._n r._n to_o my_o lady_n boyd_n 40._o my_o very_o honourable_a &_o christian_a lady_n grace_n mercy_n &_o peace_n be_v to_o you_o i_o receive_v your_o letter_n &_o be_o well_o please_v that_o your_o thought_n of_o christ_n stay_v with_o you_o &_o that_o your_o purpose_n still_o be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o violence_n which_o be_v no_o small_a conquest_n and_o it_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o watchfulness_n &_o thankfulness_n also_o to_o observe_v sleepiness_n &_o unthankfulness_n we_o have_v all_o good_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o false_a light_n that_o play_v the_o thief_n &_o steal_v away_o the_o lantern_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o constant_a walk_n with_o god_n our_o journey_n be_v ten_o time_n a_o day_n break_v in_o ten_o piece_n christ_n get_v but_o only_o break_v &_o half_v and_o tire_a work_n of_o we_o &_o alas_o too_o often_o against_o the_o hair_n i_o have_v be_v some_o what_o near_o the_o bridegroom_n but_o when_o i_o draw_v nigh_o &_o see_v my_o vileness_n for_o shame_n i_o will_v be_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n again_o but_o yet_o desire_v of_o his_o soul-refreshing_a love_n put_v blushing-me_a under_o a_o arrest_n o_o what_o be_o i_o so_o loathsome_a a_o burden_n of_o sin_n to_o stand_v beside_o such_o a_o beautiful_a &_o holy_a lord_n such_o a_o high_a &_o lofty_a one_o who_o inhabit_v eternity_n but_o since_o it_o please_v christ_n to_o condescend_v to_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o let_v shamefaâ—â—eness_n be_v lay_v aside_o &_o lose_v itself_o in_o his_o condescend_v love_n i_o will_v hearty_o be_v content_a to_o keep_v a_o corner_n of_o the_o king_n hall_n oh_o if_o i_o be_v at_o the_o yonder_o end_n of_o my_o weak_a desire_n than_o shall_v i_o be_v where_o christ_n my_o lord_n &_o lover_n life_n &_o reign_v there_o i_o shall_v be_v overlasting_o solace_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o face_n &_o satisfy_v with_o the_o surpass_a sweetness_n of_o his_o matchless_a love_n but_o true_o now_o i_o stand_v in_o the_o nether_a side_n of_o my_o desire_n &_o with_o a_o droop_a head_n &_o pant_a heart_n i_o look_v up_o to_o fair_a jesus_n stand_v a_o far_o off_o from_o we_o while_o corruption_n &_o death_n shall_v scour_v &_o refine_v the_o body_n of_o clay_n &_o rot_v out_o the_o bone_n of_o the_o old_a man_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v bless_v in_o send_v word_n to_o the_o belove_a that_o we_o love_v to_o love_v he_o and_o till_o then_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o woo_v suit_v lie_v about_o his_o house_n look_v in_o at_o the_o window_n &_o send_v a_o poor_a soul_n groan_n &_o wish_n through_o a_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n to_o jesus_n till_o god_n send_v a_o glad_a meeting_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n that_o after_o a_o low-ebbe_n &_o so_o sad_a a_o word_n lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v long_o since_o i_o see_v thou_o that_o even_o then_o our_o wing_n be_v grow_v &_o the_o absence_n of_o sweet_a jesus_n breed_v a_o new_a fleece_n of_o desire_n &_o long_n for_o he_o i_o know_v no_o man_n have_v a_o velvet_n cross_v but_o the_o cross_n be_v make_v of_o that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v it_o but_o very_o howbeit_o it_o be_v no_o warrantable_a market_n to_o buy_v a_o cross_n yet_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v o_o that_o i_o have_v liberty_n to_o sell_v christ_n cross_n lest_o therewith_o also_o i_o shall_v sell_v joy_n comfort_n sense_n of_o love_n patience_n &_o the_o kind_a visit_n of_o a_o bridegroom_n and_o therefore_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o get_v cross_n unbought_a &_o good_a cheap_a sâ—â—â—_n i_o be_o it_o be_v better_a to_o buy_v cross_n for_o christ_n then_o to_o sell_v they_o howbeit_o neither_o be_v allow_v to_o we_o and_o for_o christ_n joyful_a come_n &_o go_v which_o your_o la_n speak_v of_o i_o bear_v with_o it_o as_o love_n can_v permit_v it_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o i_o if_o i_o be_v wise_a that_o christ_n will_v have_v joy_n &_o sorrow_n halfer_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o each_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o share_n of_o our_o day_n as_o the_o night_n and_o the_o day_n be_v kindly_a partner_n and_o halfer_n of_o time_n and_o take_v it_o up_o betwixt_o they_o but_o if_o sorrow_n be_v the_o greedy_a halfer_n of_o our_o day_n here_o i_o know_v joy_n day_n shall_v dawn_n &_o do_v more_o than_o recompense_v all_o our_o sad_a hour_n let_v my_o lord_n jesus_n since_o he_o will_v do_v so_o weave_v my_o bit_n and_o span-length_n of_o time_n with_o white_a &_o black_a well_o and_o woe_n with_o the_o bridgroom_n come_v and_o his_o sad_a departure_n as_o warp_v &_o woof_n in_o one_o web_n &_o let_v the_o rose_n be_v neighbour_v with_o the_o thorn_n yet_o hope_v that_o make_v not_o ashamed_a have_v write_v a_o letter_n and_o line_n of_o hope_n to_o the_o mourner_n in_o zion_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v long_o so_o when_o we_o be_v over_o the_o water_n christ_n shall_v cry_v down_o cross_n and_o up_o heaven_n for_o evermore_o &_o down_o hell_n &_o down_o death_n &_o down_o sin_n &_o down_o sorrow_n &_o up_o glory_n up_o life_n up_o joy_n for_o evermore_o in_o this_o hope_n i_o sleep_v quiet_o in_o christ_n bosom_n while_o he_o come_v who_o be_v not_o slack_a &_o will_v sleep_v so_o be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o devil_n &_o sin_n be_v foot_n &_o the_o cry_n of_o a_o unbelieved_a heart_n awaken_v i_o but_o for_o the_o present_a i_o have_v nothing_o whereof_o i_o can_v accuse_v christ_n cross_n oh_o if_o i_o can_v please_v myself_o in_o christ_n only_a i_o hope_v madam_n your_o son_n will_v improve_v their_o power_n for_o jesus_n for_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o question_n or_o justle_n betwixt_o christ_n &_o authority_n though_o our_o enemy_n false_o state_n the_o question_n as_o if_o christ_n and_o authority_n can_v not_o abide_v under_o one_o roof_n the_o question_n only_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o man_n in_o authority_n authority_n be_v for_o &_o from_o christ_n &_o sib_n to_o he_o how_o then_o can_v he_o make_v a_o plea_n with_o it_o nay_o the_o truth_n be_v worm_n &_o god_n of_o clay_n be_v rise_v up_o against_o christ._n if_o the_o fruit_n of_o your_o la_n womb_n be_v helper_n of_o christ_n you_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o rejoice_v in_o god_n all_o your_o la_n can_v expect_v for_o your_o goodwill_n to_o i_o &_o my_o brother_n a_o wrong_a stranger_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o prayer_n of_o a_o prisoner_n of_o jesus_n to_o who_o i_o recommend_v your_o la_n &_o house_n &_o child_n &_o in_o who_o i_o be_o aberd._n sept._n 8._o 1637._o madam_n your_o 〈◊〉_d in_o christ._n s._n r._n to_o the_o lady_n culross_n 41_o madam_n grace_n mercy_n &_o peace_n be_v to_o you_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v i_o wonder_v that_o you_o have_v never_o write_v to_o i_o in_o my_o bond_n because_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n yet_o i_o can_v not_o but_o write_v to_o you_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o joy_n or_o heaviness_n in_o my_o soul_n carry_v it_o away_o sorrow_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o sweetness_n have_v not_o often_o love-thought_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o see_v the_o devil_n can_v insinuat_fw-la himself_o &_o ride_v his_o errand_n upon_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o poor_a oppress_a prisoner_n i_o be_o woe_n that_o i_o be_o make_v christ_n my_o unfriend_n by_o seek_v plea_n against_o he_o because_o i_o be_o the_o first_o in_o the_o kingdom_n put_v to_o utter_v silence_n &_o because_o i_o can_v preach_v my_o lord_n righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n i_o be_o notwithstanding_o the_o less_o solicitous_a how_o it_o go_v if_o there_o be_v not_o wrath_n in_o my_o cup._n but_o i_o know_v i_o but_o claw_v my_o wound_n when_o my_o physician_n have_v forbid_v i_o i_o will_v believe_v in_o the_o dark_a upon_o luck_n head_n &_o take_v my_o hazard_n of_o christ_n goodwill_n &_o rest_n on_o this_o that_o in_o my_o fever_n my_o physician_n be_v at_o my_o bedside_n &_o that_o he_o sympathize_v with_o i_o when_o i_o sigh_v my_o borrow_a house_n &_o another_o man_n bed_n &_o fireside_n &_o other_o loss_n have_v to_o room_n in_o my_o sorrow_n a_o great_a heat_n to_o eat_v out_o a_o less_o fire_n be_v a_o good_a remedy_n for_o some_o burn_a i_o believe_v when_o christ_n draw_v blood_n he_o have_v skill_n to_o cut_v the_o right_a vein_n &_o that_o he_o have_v take_v